A number of horses have died following races at the Grand National festival this year.
Today, Elle Est Belle suffered a suspected heart attack on the run to the line in the 2.25pm Betway Mersey Novices' Hurdle on Saturday. The Dan Skelton-trained horse, ridden by Harry Skelton, collapsed when finishing fourth and a green tent was erected around the six-year-old.
It was confirmed Elle Est Belle had to be put down. Captain Conby, ridden by Kevin Sexton, also went down in the race. After treatment, the five-year-old walked into the horse ambulance before travelling to the vets for further assessment.
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It comes after Solwara One died following the 1.45pm race at Aintree on Friday. Professor Chris Proudman, Veterinary Advisor to Aintree Racecourse, said: “Solwara One was pulled up while simply galloping on the flat in the Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle, run on Aintree’s Mildmay Course.
“He was attended to by our veterinary team but after thorough examination it was determined that very sadly he had sustained an unrecoverable injury. The 14 races across two days so far have seen 192 other horses compete without serious incident.”
The RSPCA said: "We are deeply saddened and concerned after the death of Solwara One at the Aintree Grand National Meeting. The death of any horse is always one too many so it is crucial that steps are taken to reduce the risk of such tragedies occurring."
Speaking recently after the Cheltenham Festival, Ian Renton of the Jockey Club, said: "All our team here work absolutely tirelessly to do everything we can for horses and human welfare and that is absolutely paramount in everything we think."
In the last decade, British Racing has invested more than £20m into veterinary activities including research and education. The governing body also has self-imposed and enforced welfare standards which they say exceed national animal welfare legislation.
